Q3 possible for McLaren - Alonso

Fernando Alonso reckons McLaren can make it through to Q3 at the Russian Grand Prix after an encouraging pair of Friday practice sessions for the team in Russia.

Alonso finished the second session at the Sochi Autodrom in 10th position, while team-mate Jenson Button was eighth, giving the Spaniard confidence that it can compete for the top 10 placings in qualifying.

"Getting at least one car into Q3 tomorrow would be good news for us," he said.

"I think that’s possible. I know in the past that our results on a Friday make us perhaps a little over-optimistic about our chances for Saturday, but the car felt good today.

"We’re not 100 per cent there yet – there’s still a little bit more to come from McLaren. Let’s see if that’s enough to get us into the top 10 in qualifying."

Button is hopeful that qualifying in the midst of the midfield pack will leave McLaren in a position to collect points in the Grand Prix.

"It’s been a positive day, overall," he said.

"We’ve been quick on Fridays before, and we know that we face the prospect of having to save some fuel in the race, but hopefully we’ll be able to knock on the door of Q3 tomorrow and be capable of scoring some points on Sunday.

"If we can qualify inside the top 10 tomorrow, we’ll be somewhat limited on tyre choice, but it’ll be possible to race well from there; you’re with the quicker cars, able to run in the DRS and can let them pull you along."